Comparative Effect between Antidepressants and D-phenylalanine, a Phenethylamine Precursor, in an Animal Model of Depression

A relevant role has been attributed to phenethylamine in depressive disorders. It has been measured in human urine and rat brain in pathological conditions and after drug administration. Furthermore, a clinical correlation has been proposed between urinary elimination and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, its metabolic predecessor, D-phenylalanine, has been used as an antidepressant drug in the treatment of depressive disorders. The use of this amino acid has been realized alone, or in combination with classical antidepressants. In the present study, we tried to characterize its behavioural profile comparing it with imipramine and fluoxetine. Antidepressant drugs have been studied using diverse animal models. We used here the Porsolt test, or Forced Swimming Test (FST), measuring times of climbing, swimming and resting. When a comparison was performed between groups in climbing behaviour, significant differences were observed between imipramine treated group and saline controls (p < 0.05), and imipramine versus fluoxetine and D-phenylalanine (p < 0.01). When swimming was evaluated, clear differences between D-phenylalanine and the other groups were observed (p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant difference was also observed between imipramine and fluoxetine (p < 0.01). When resting was evaluated, high differences between D-phenylalanine versus all other groups were shown (p < 0.001). Observed behavioural profile was according to serotonergic antidepressant drugs effects. It is supported by the fact that swimming behaviours were increased, and a correlative decrease in resting was also present. We conclude that D-phenylalanine showed higher antidepressant potency than other classical antidepressants, at least at the doses used

Visualizing the emission of a single photon with frequency and time resolved spectroscopy

At the dawn of Quantum Physics, Wigner and Weisskopf obtained a full analytical description (a \textit{photon portrait}) of the emission of a single photon by a two-level system, using the basis of frequency modes (Weisskopf and Wigner, "Zeitschrift f\"ur Physik", 63, 1930). A direct experimental reconstruction of this portrait demands an accurate measurement of a time resolved fluorescence spectrum, with high sensitivity to the off-resonant frequencies and ultrafast dynamics describing the photon creation. In this work we demonstrate such an experimental technique in a superconducting waveguide Quantum Electrodynamics (wQED) platform, using single transmon qubit and two coupled transmon qubits as quantum emitters. In both scenarios, the photon portraits agree quantitatively with the predictions of the input-output theory and qualitatively with Wigner-Weisskopf theory. We believe that our technique allows not only for interesting visualization of fundamental principles, but may serve as a tool, e.g. to realize multi-dimensional spectroscopy in waveguide Quantum Electrodynamics.Comment: 18 pages, 10 figures including appendice

Large scale integration of renewable energy sources (RES) in the future Colombian energy system

The diversification of the energy matrix, including larger shares of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), is a significant part of the Colombian energy strategy towards a sustainable and more secure energy system. Historically, the country has relied on the intensive use of hydropower and fossil fuels as the main energy sources. Colombia has a huge renewables potential, and therefore the exploration of different pathways for their integration is required. The aim of this study was to build a model for a country with a hydro-dominated electric power system and analyse the impacts of integrated variable RES in long-term future scenarios. EnergyPLAN was the modelling tool employed for simulating the reference year and future alternatives. Initially, the reference model was validated, and successively five different scenarios were built. The results show that an increase in the shares of wind, solar and bioenergy could achieve an approximate reduction of 20% in both the CO2 emissions and the total fuel consumption of the country by 2030. Further, in the electricity sector the best-case scenario could allow an estimated 60% reduction in its emission intensity

Métodos de diagnóstico en el estudio de las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes

Las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes (MI) comprenden un grupo de enfermedades heterogéneas con presentación y características clínicas variables. Se distinguen subtipos clínicos como Polimiositis (PM), Dermatomiositis (DM), Miositis por cuerpos de Inclusión (MCI), Miopatía Necrotizante Inmunomediada (MNIM), Miositis de los Síndromes de Superposición, formas juveniles de MI (DMJ), Síndrome Antisintetasa (SAS) y Miopatía Asociada a Cáncer (MAC). La presencia de anticuerpos séricos y el infiltrado inflamatorio en la biopsia de músculo sugiere que se trata de una condición autoinmune. Realizar el diagnóstico de las MI suele ser un desafío y las herramientas diagnósticas no siempre están disponibles en la práctica diaria. Se obtuvo información sobre la disponibilidad de estos métodos del Registro Argentino de Miopatías Inflamatorias. El estudio de enzimas musculares, Anticuerpos Antinucleares (ANA), anticuerpo anti-Jo-1 y la tomografía computada de tórax, estuvieron disponibles para la mayoría de los pacientes mientras que la Resonancia Magnética de musculo (RM), el estudio de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLco) y la biopsia muscular se realizaron en menos del 50% de los casos. La determinación de otros anticuerpos específicos de miositis, de importancia en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de la enfermedad se realizó, en mayor parte, a través de un subsidio de la SAR

Perspectives of microwave quantum key distribution in open-air

One of the cornerstones of quantum communication is the unconditionally secure distribution of classical keys between remote parties. This key feature of quantum technology is based on the quantum properties of propagating electromagnetic waves, such as entanglement, or the no-cloning theorem. However, these quantum resources are known to be susceptible to noise and losses, which are omnipresent in open-air communication scenarios. In this work, we theoretically investigate the perspectives of continuous-variable open-air quantum key distribution at microwave frequencies. In particular, we present a model describing the coupling of propagating microwaves with a noisy environment. Using a protocol based on displaced squeezed states, we demonstrate that continuous-variable quantum key distribution with propagating microwaves can be unconditionally secure at room temperature up to distances of around 200 meters. Moreover, we show that microwaves can potentially outperform conventional quantum key distribution at telecom wavelength at imperfect weather conditions.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure

GAD-7 Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale in Colombian medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: construct validity and reliability

La detección de síntomas de ansiedad entre el personal sanitario que atiende a pacientes contagiados de COVID-19 es una prioridad actual. Se requieren instrumentos rápidos y válidos para esta población. El objetivo es establecer la validez de constructo y la confiabilidad de la Escala de Ansiedad Generalizada (GAD-7) en médicos colombianos durante la cuarentena por la COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio eSalud, en el que se recopilaron datos transversales en línea (n= 1.030) de 610 médicos de COVID y 420 no de COVID durante la cuarentena colombiana, entre el 20 de abril y el 10 de agosto de 2020. Se contactó con cada sujeto, que confirmó participación, identidad y función profesional. Resultados: Se encontró una estructura factorial de 1 solo factor, conformado por los 7 ítems del instrumento, que logró explicar el 70% de la varianza. Los índices de bondad de ajuste (RMSEA = 0,080; CFI = 0,995; SRMR = 0,053; p 0,07. Por último, la consistencia interna del instrumento fue buena, con alfa de Cronbach= 0,920 (IC95%, 8,80-9,71)Conclusiones: El GAD-7 es un instrumento que presenta indicadores adecuados de validez y confiabilidad. Es un excelente instrumento, confiable, fácil y rápido de usar para la detección de los síntomas de ansiedad generalizada en personal médico, atienda o no a pacientes contagiados de COVID-19.Introduction: The detection of anxiety symptoms among health workers who care for patients infected with COVID-19 is a current priority. Fast and valid instruments are required for this population group. The objective is to establish the construct validity and reliability of the Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale in Colombian doctors during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: E-health study, in which cross-sectional data were collected online (n= 1,030) from 610 COVID doctors and 420 non-COVID doctors, during the Colombian lockdown, between 20 April and 10 August 2020. Each subject was contacted, and they confirmed their participation, identity and professional role. Results: A single factor factorial structure was found, made up of the 7 items of the instrument, which managed to explain 70% of the variance. The goodness of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.080; CFI = 0.995; SRMR = 0.053; p 0.070. Finally, the internal consistency of the instrument was good, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.920 (95%IC, 8.80-9.71). Conclusions: The GAD-7 is an instrument that presents adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent tool that is reliable and easy and fast to use for the detection of generalised anxiety symptoms in medical personnel caring (or not) for patients infected with COVID-19.Fil: Camargo, Loida. Universidad del Sinú; ColombiaFil: Herrera Pino, Jorge. Florida International University; Estados UnidosFil: Shelach Bellido, S.. Universidad Catolica de San Pablo; PerúFil: Soto Añari, Marcio. Universidad Catolica de San Pablo; PerúFil: Porto, Maria F.. Universidad de la Costa.; ColombiaFil: Alonso, Mónica Zulema. Universidad del Sinú; Colombia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez, Miguel. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: Contreras, Carlos Oscar. No especifíca;Fil: Caldichouri, Nicole. Universidad de Los Lagos; ChileFil: Ramos Henderson, Miguel. Universidad Santo Tomás; ChileFil: Gargiulo, Pascual Angel. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Lopez, Norman. Universidad de la Costa.; Colombi

Preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy concomitant to cetuximab in resectable stage IIIB NSCLC: a multicentre phase 2 trial (SAKK 16/08).

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) followed by radiotherapy (RT) and surgery showed a median survival of 28.7 months in resectable stage IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (pts). Here, we evaluate the impact of concomitant cetuximab to the same neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) in selected patients (pts) with NSCLC, stage IIIB. Resectable stage IIIB NSCLC received three cycles of CT (cisplatin 100 mg/m &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; and docetaxel 85 mg/m &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; d1, q3w) followed by RT (44 Gy in 22 fractions) with concomitant cetuximab (250 mg/m &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; , q1w) and subsequent surgery. The primary endpoint was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS). Sixty-nine pts were included in the trial. Fifty-seven (83%) pts underwent surgery, with complete resection (R0) in 42 (74%) and postoperative 30 day mortality of 3.5%. Responses were: 57% after CT-cetuximab and 64% after CRT-cetuximab. One-year PFS was 50%. Median PFS was 12.0 months (95% CI: 9.0-15.6), median OS was 21.3 months, with a 2- and 3-yr survival of 41% and 30%, respectively. This is one of the largest prospective phase 2 trial to investigate the role of induction CRT and surgery in resectable stage IIIB disease, and the first adding cetuximab to the neoadjuvant strategy. This trial treatment is feasible with promising response and OS rates, supporting an aggressive approach in selected pts

Italian consensus Guidelines for the management of hepatitis B virus infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Hepatitis B (HBV) infection, which is prevalent worldwide, is also frequently seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) and the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (SIMIT) endorsed a national consensus process to review the available evidence on HBV management in RA patients and to produce practical, hospital-wide recommendations

Italian consensus recommendations for the management of hepatitis C infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: The recent introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) which can eliminate Hepatitis C virus (HCV) had revolutionized the treatment of HCV infections also in a complex clinical setting such as the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). HCV elimination is also opportune due to the availability of more efficient immunosuppressive drugs, whose effect on the course of HCV infection is largely unknown. Methods: Consensus process was endorsed by the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) and the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (SIMIT) to review the available evidence and produce practical, hospital-wide recommendations. The consensus panel consisted of 18 infectious diseases consultants, 20 rheumatologists and one clinical epidemiologist, who used the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine to assess the quality of the evidence and the strength of their recommendations. Results: A core-set of statements about management of patients with RA and infection by HCV have been developed to help clinicians in their clinical practice. Conclusions: A screening for HCV should be performed in all RA patients and it is mandatory before starting an immunosuppressive therapy. Finally, a DAA treatment should be considered in all HCV-infected patients.Significance and Innovations HCV antibodies should be investigated at the time of diagnosis of RA and, in any case, before starting immunosuppressive therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). HCV eradication with DAA should be attempted as soon as possible, depending on patient conditions allowing a continuous oral treatment lasting 8–12 weeks Conventional and biological DMARDs are allowed in patients with HCV infection, but they should be used cautiously in presence of advanced liver disease

Registry of neurological manifestations due to coronavirus-19 (COVID-19)

La enfermedad por COVID-19 se ha extendido por el mundo desde diciembre de 2019. Los síntomas neurológicos forman parte de su espectro clínico. Objetivo: Conocer las manifestaciones neurológicas en pacientes infectados por COVID-19 en Argentina. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico realizado en adultos, desde mayo de 2020 a enero de 2021, con COVID-19 confirmado y síntomas neurológicos. Se consignaron variables demográficas, existencia de comorbilidades sistémicas o neurológicas, la forma de comienzo de la infección, alteración en estudios complementarios y el grado de severidad de los síntomas neurológicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 817 pacientes de todo el país, 52% varones, edad promedio 38 anos. ˜ La mayoría sin comorbilidades ni patología neurológica previa. El primer síntoma de la infección fue neurológico en 56,2% de los casos, predominando la cefalea (69%), luego anosmia/ageusia (66%). También se reportaron mialgias (52%), alodinia/hiperalgesia (18%), astenia (6%). Un 3,2% mostró compromiso difuso del SNC como encefalopatía o convulsiones. Un 1,7% tuvo complicaciones cerebrovasculares. Los trastornos del sueno˜ se observaron en 3,2%. Se reportaron seis pacientes con síndrome de Guillain-Barré (GBS), neuropatía periférica (3,4%), parestesias en lengua (0,6%), hipoacusia (0,4%), plexopatía (0,3%). La severidad de síntomas neurológicos se correlacionó con la edad y la existencia de comorbilidades. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados, similares a los de otros países, muestran dos tipos de síntomas neurológicos asociados a COVID-19: algunos potencialmente incapacitantes o mortales como el GBS o la encefalitis, y otros menos devastadores, pero más frecuentes, como cefalea o anosmia que demandan en forma creciente atención a largo plazo.COVID-19 disease has spread around the world since December 2019. Neurological symptoms are part of its clinical spectrum. Objective: To know the neurological manifestations in patients infected by COVID-19 in Argentina. Methods: Multicenter study conducted in adults, from May 2020 to January 2021, with confirmed COVID-19 and neurological symptoms. Demographic variables, existence of systemic or neurological comorbidities, the form of onset of the infection, alteration in complementary studies and the degree of severity of neurological symptoms were recorded. Results: 817 patients from all over the country were included, 52% male, mean age 38 years, most of them without comorbidities or previous neurological pathology. The first symptom of the infection was neurological in 56.2% of the cases, predominantly headache (69%), then anosmia/ageusia (66%). Myalgias (52%), allodynia/hyperalgesia (18%), and asthenia (6%) were also reported. 3.2% showed diffuse CNS involvement such as encephalopathy or seizures. 1.7% had cerebrovascular complications. Sleep disorders were observed in 3.2%. 6 patients were reported with Guillain Barré (GBS), peripheral neuropathy (3.4%), tongue paresthesia (0.6%), hearing loss (0.4%), plexopathy (0.3%). The severity of neurological symptoms was correlated with age and the existence of comorbidities. Conclusions: Our results, similar to those of other countries, show two types of neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19: some potentially disabling or fatal such as GBS or encephalitis, and others less devastating, but more frequent such as headache or anosmia that demand increasingly long-term care.Fil: Alessandro, Lucas. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; ArgentinaFil: Appiani, Franco. Fundación Favaloro; ArgentinaFil: Bendersky, Mariana. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Borrego Guerrero, Brenda. Sanatorio Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Bruera, Guadalupe. Hospital Privado de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Cairola, Patricia. Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos Carlos Durand; ArgentinaFil: Calandri, Ismael. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; ArgentinaFil: Cardozo Oliver, Juan Martín. Sanatorio Finochietto; ArgentinaFil: Clément, María Emilia. Hospital Privado de la Comunidad; ArgentinaFil: Di Egidio, Marianna. Tornu Hospital; ArgentinaFil: Di Pace, José Luis. Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos Carlos Durand; ArgentinaFil: Diaconchuk, Melina Alejandra. Hospital San Luis; ArgentinaFil: Esliman, Celeste. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; ArgentinaFil: Esnaola y Rojas, María Martha. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Fernández Boccazzi, Julián. Sanatorio de la Trinidad; ArgentinaFil: Franco, Andrea Fabiana. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Ramos Mejía"; ArgentinaFil: Gargiulo Monachelli, Gisella Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. CEMIC-CONICET. Centro de Educaciones Médicas e Investigaciones Clínicas "Norberto Quirno". CEMIC-CONICET; ArgentinaFil: Giardino, Daniela Laura. Centro de Educación Medica E Invest.clinicas; ArgentinaFil: Gómez, César. No especifíca;Fil: Guevara, Ana Karina. No especifíca;Fil: Gutiérrez, Natalia. Sanatorio Julio Méndez; ArgentinaFil: Hryb, Javier. Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos Carlos Durand; ArgentinaFil: Ibarra, Viviana. Sanatorio Julio Méndez; ArgentinaFil: Janota, Franco. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Infecciosas "Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz"; ArgentinaFil: Larcher, Luis Alfredo. Sanatorio del Norte; ArgentinaFil: Leone, Fernando. Centro Médico Roca; ArgentinaFil: Luetic, Geraldine. No especifíca;Fil: Medina, Claudia Andrea. Sanatorio Las Lomas; ArgentinaFil: Menichini, María Laura. No especifíca;Fil: Nieto, Gonzalo. Hospital General de Agudos Bernardino Rivadavia ; Gobierno de la Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires;Fil: Páez, María Fernanda. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: Peñalver, Francisco. No especifíca;Fil: Perassolo, Mónica. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos Carlos Durand; ArgentinaFil: Persi, Gabriel. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Pestchanker, Claudia. Hospital San Luis; ArgentinaFil: Porta, Oscar. Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos Carlos Durand; ArgentinaFil: Rey, Roberto Daniel. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, Gabriel Eduardo. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Ramos Mejía"; ArgentinaFil: Romano, Marina. Centro de Educación Medica E Invest.clinicas; ArgentinaFil: Rugiero, Marcelo. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Saidón, Patricia. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Ramos Mejía"; ArgentinaFil: Sica, María Florencia. Hospital Privado de la Comunidad; ArgentinaFil: Stankievich, Erica. No especifíca;Fil: Tarulla, Adriana. No especifíca;Fil: Zalazar, Guillermo. Hospital San Luis; Argentin